Melbourne Park is centrally located and so it is possible to stay almost anywhere in Melbourne. Accommodation around Southbank and Flinders Street is particularly popular, as they are within walking distance to the venue and offer a good range of hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Those visiting Melbourne for the first time may wish to base themselves in the CBD, the commercial heart of the city. Not only is just a short walk away from Melbourne Park, but it is also home to many of the city’s best galleries, museums, malls, restaurants, and bars. Just outside the CBD, and still only a short walk from Melbourne Park are the Docklands and Southbank areas. Situated across from each other on the Yarra River, these affluent neighbourhoods are popular for their shopping and waterside dining, making them perfect for a refined, upmarket getaway.
Whilst the CBD, the Docklands, and Southbank are more than capable of guaranteeing you with a good time, Fitzroy is where Melbourne truly comes alive at night. As well as cool eclectic bars, the area is known for its bold street art and unique boutiques which draw a youthful, hip crowd. Fitzroy is located north of Melbourne Park, slightly further away from the venue than the CBD is, but its deserved reputation as a fun-loving, fashionable area means it is well worth any extra effort.
Melbourne’s hippest hangout, however, is trendy Richmond, located south-east of the CBD, on Melbourne Park's doorstep. Everything about Richmond is cool, from its hotels to its restaurants, bars, breweries, and pubs. For those who want to stay near to Melbourne Park, but also eat and drink well - all whilst getting some top-notch Instagram snaps - Richmond is an excellent choice.
Travellers on a tighter budget, meanwhile, might prefer South Melbourne, a historic yet trendy neighbourhood between the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. South Melbourne is quieter, more laid-back, and closer to the beach than any other city neighbourhood, making it ideal for families and beach-lovers too.
Those who want to head a bit further out of town may wish to go even further down the coast, to St. Kilda, a vibrant area infused with feel-good seaside vibes - though some parts of the suburb may be more pricey than others.
Melbourne evidently has a wide range of accommodation options, and it feels like there is a specific part of the city to suit every traveller's varied needs. For those who wish to feel a bit closer to the Australian Open during their stay, though, there are also some Melbourne hotels which are officially endorsed by the tournament, providing guests with a good dose of the "Happy Slam", whether they're on-court or kicking-back in a king-size bed. The hotels are listed in order of proximity to Melbourne Park:
Please note that not all of the above hotels are guaranteed to be officially-affiliated with the tournament every year - this list is for reference purposes only.
